Cardo Offers Software Update for G4 Users

We liked the Cardo Scala Rider Q2 when we tested it back in 2008. The Cardo Scala Rider G4 offers greater range, stereo audio and better Bluetooth support. This newest version of Cardo's motorcycle communication device is one of the most advanced motorcycle headsets available. And to keep the G4 up to date the company has released a new software utility that allows users to download firmware updates, as well as configure certain settings.

New Scala Rider G4 W/MP3  Part # SRG40002The G4 is supplied with a USB cable that connects to the battery charger. But once you download and install the software utility that USB cable becomes you interface to update the device's onboard firmware. Installing the software requires a download from the Cardo website.But it's relatively small so it goes pretty quickly. Quickly that is, after you have registered your headset. The form requests your name, email and serial number- but we left the serial number blank and proceeded to the download.

www.cardosystems.com/download/softwareupgrade 

Currently the software utility is only available for PCs running the Windows operating system. Installing is simple, although you'll get a couple of those cryptic warnings about not being "certified" software. Not surprisingly there are some reports of issues with Windows Vista. Novice computer users will want to carefully read the tutorial Cardo has provided at the end of the setup process- it walks through all the steps of updating the G4's firmware.

After completing the software installation connecting to the G4 requires the aforementioned USB cable. You may hear the familiar sounds from your computer that indicate a USB device has been plugged in, but you won't see anything like happy faces or new drive icons. In fact, you might even see nasty sounding warnings indicating "your device may not operate properly." Fear not, once you launch the Cardo software everything should be happy.

You should eventually see a dialog box prompting you to press a couple of buttons to get the show started. Once connected the software will read information form your G4 and display the language, version number, VOX setting and FM radio presets. By the way, that radio preset feature is a great idea!

Checking for the latest version is as simple as clicking the button. If a new version is available the utility will download and install it. Once this process begins you need to stay nearby. The instructions don't mention it, but this is not an unattended setup procedure! You'll need to press the magic button combination a couple of times throughout the process. Otherwise the install will time out and you're still stuck on the old musty version you started with.

After updating my G4 from version 2.0 it seemed like it summoned my phone a bit quicker and the intercom performance might be better.

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